Mental Health: Power of Positive Thinking

Hi everyone!
My name is Andre I serve with FCA Indonesia, especially in Manado located in North Sulawesi Island.
I am new to running and committed to running consistently in January 2024.
Through this journey, I have learned a multitude of valuable lessons, but for now, I would like to share how I discovered the immense power of the mind. 

Negative thoughts can hinder our progress and limit our potential.

When I first started running, I would typically only manage a mile, or at most 1.5 miles.
Why?
Because by the end of the first mile, my body would already be in pain, and my mind would convince me that this discomfort would persist throughout the entire run.
I envisioned my legs aching and my body weakening to the point that I would be unable to walk.
My thoughts inevitably led me to quit, settling for a mere 1 to 1.5 miles.
Back then, I genuinely believed that my running limit was 1.5 miles.

Positive thoughts empower us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.

Then, one day, my friend Alvin from church (This dude runs marathons…no big deal!) asked me to join him for a run.
Initially for me, it was the same story.
I was one mile in…my body was whining and my brain was screaming,
“I’m DONE! Legs are DYING! Gotta stop!”

Alvin, with a smile that could brighten the whole track, says,
“Woah there, champ! Don’t listen to those thoughts. Keep going…the pain won’t last. Don’t let that voice in your head win. Believe in yourself! This is all about mental toughness. You got this! God is right beside you!”

His words were like a power-up!
I trusted Alvin and pushed on.
And guess what?
He was SO right!
The pain chilled out, and we CRUSHED a 3.5-mile run – my first ever!

This experience taught me the profound impact of our thoughts on our lives.
If we convince ourselves of our limitations, those limitations will manifest.
Conversely, if we cultivate positive thoughts, we empower ourselves to overcome obstacles with God.

In Philippians 4:8 (NIV), the Bible reminds us

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

God encourages us to take control of our thoughts, replacing negative ones with positive, God-given thoughts.
He recognizes the immense power our thoughts hold, and so should we.

Reflection & Prayer

1. What thoughts are in your mind today? Are they cheering you on or dragging you down?
2. How can we keep our minds filled with good thoughts and ditch the bad ones?
3. Pray: Dear Lord, I yearn for a deeper connection with You, seeking the strength to fill my mind with positivity and godly thoughts. Please guide me, Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.